We’re delighted to be able to offer the brand new Sony PMW-F3 camera package. The F3 is the first affordable Super 35mm sensor camera from Sony and is a logical and timely progression in a trend started by RED and continued by the Canon DSLRs.
Some of the F3 features are as follows:
- A Super 35mm CMOS sensor which allows for a more filmic shallow depth of field. The sensor is also incredibly light sensitive, with the camera rated at a base ISO of 800 and higher ISOs still showing as remarkably clean.
- HD-SDI output, time-code input and output, downconverted video output, HDMI output, (2) XLR inputs — all the lovely connectors that we’ve been missing while using DSLRs.
- PL mount lenses can be used on the camera, opening the door to many different types of robust cine glass.
- The PMW-F3 records to the same SxS cards that have been so widely accepted in the Sony EX1, EX1R and EX3 and the workflow for offloading the data from the cards and ingesting into your NLE of choice is exactly the same. Which is a good thing.
If reading about the features of the camera is your thing I highly recommend perusing the (surprisingly) well written manual right here. However, if you’re wondering about the camera you’re probably thinking, “I wonder what the footage out of this thing looks like?” Say no more:
PORTO with a SONY PMW-F3 from FilmesDaMente on Vimeo.
Now you’re probably thinking, “I’m impressed. But what about lenses for this miracle machine?” Conveniently, we have the set of Sony prime lenses that are paired with the PMW-F3 — a 35mm, 50mm and 85mm, all T2. We also have the quite fabulous Duclos-Tokina 11-16mm ultra-wide. All the lenses are PL mount. Neat, huh?
“Gosh,” you’re thinking, “what else can I ask? Wait. Wasn’t there something about uncompressed?” Why, yes, yes there is. The F3 is especially notable for it’s ability to be upgraded to deliver dual stream 4:4:4 video from the dual SDI outputs. In addition, the upgrade will allow for S-Log video to be output from the camera, which dramatically increases the dynamic range and allows for greater control in post. And S-Log will be available on both the dual stream 4:4:4 output and the 4:2:2 SDI output. I could explain S-Log here (note: that’s not entirely true, I’d be flailing at the details) but instead the wonderful folks at AbelCine have made a handy video:
Why Shoot In LOG? from AbelCine on Vimeo.
Before you ask, yes, there’s a video showing EXACTLY what the F3 can do in S-Log mode:
World’s First Sony F3 S-Log Test from Next Level Pictures on Vimeo.
To sum up, this is a superb camera that has been designed to answer the call of so many people who wanted to be able to deliver feature quality footage without the second mortgage an F35 would cost. Please give us a call at 301/530-8210 or drop us an email at info@visualedge.tv for more information or to take a look at the PMW-F3.